“Distinguished Service Awards are given to recognize faculty, staff and friends of Evangel University for outstanding contributions to the university,” says Chuck Cox, director of alumni relations. “The awards are given at the discretion of the alumni aboard.”

Gary Liddle — Faculty

Gary Liddle, associate professor of Theology, began his teaching career at Evangel in the fall of 1977. In 2001, he was the recipient of the university’sE.M. and Estella Clark Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service.

He served as Theology Department chair from 2006 to 2012

He has taught numerous classes in the Theology Department including Essential Christianity, Old Testament Literature, Old and New Testament book studies, Beginning Greek, Intermediate Greek, Beginning Hebrew, Early Church, Reformation and Enlightenment, and Pentecostal Foundations.

In 1993, Gary was a member of the Transarabia Expedition, a team of American archaeologists who excavated the famous ancient city of Ubar in the Sultanate of Oman, located on the Arabian Peninsula.

Gary earned a bachelor’s degree from North Central University and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Bethel Theological Seminary.

“We are pleased to honor Gary Liddle for his 35 years of faithful service to Evangel University,” says Dr. Glenn Bernet, vice president for academic affairs. “He is a man of integrity, devotion and quiet resolve. He is a gifted scholar and has instilled in many young people a love for and understanding of biblical languages and biblical texts. We are indebted to Gary and Faye, who together have faithfully and humbly been about the business of advancing the mission of Evangel.”

In addition to the time he has spent teaching and mentoring students, Gary has invested in the university through his service on numerous committees and project teams:

“It would be hard to overstate the blessings that Gary and Faye have been to Evangel University,” says Dr. Brandon Schmidly, current Theology Department chair. “Gary has served in the Theology Department for 35 years and has taught probably every course in the catalog during that time. He has not only served as a beloved mentor and instructor to students, but he has been a mentor to many of our current faculty, including me. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Faye Liddle — Staff

Faye joined the staff of Evangel University in 1982 in the Records and Registration office and moved to Athletics in 1986.

Liddle manages the athletic office, which entails bookkeeping for more than 80 separate accounts, organizing recognition events for each sport and fielding calls from fans. She coordinates all aspects of customer service related to football and basketball home contests.

“No two days are alike in the athletics office, and Faye never knows what she will face when she comes to work,” says Dr. David Stair, Athletic director. “A faculty person, staff member or student may cry on her shoulder or share their happiness with her. She may be asked to set up a lunch buffet in the conference room or take minutes for a staff meeting. It can honestly be said that the Athletics department could get along without the Athletics director before it could function without Faye Liddle.”

The coaches depend on her to manage the Athletics office in support of the programs.

“It would be very hard for all these teams to function without Faye,” says Dawn Neal, assistant women’s basketball coach. “She doesn’t just serve one; she actually works for all of the Evangel coaches, approaching each area with the same level of discipline. Faye is amazing — both as a friend and as Dr. Stair’s administrative assistant. Faye keeps it all together.”

“At home football games, she spends her Saturday at the stadium—often in the cold, wind and rain—overseeing the ticket booth,” Stair said. “Her work ethic and steady demeanor have served to guide the department through many changes over the past 26 years.”

Gary and Faye have two daughters, Heidi ’93 and Amy ’01, and one son, Nathaniel (’98). Nathaniel’s wife, Janette Hobrath, graduated in ’97. Heidi and her husband, Nalin Bhutt ’94, have two sons, Ettan and Nooa. Amy and her husband, Tim Arsenault, have three children — Eden, Isaac and Austin.

About Evangel

Evangel is an accredited, liberal arts university with more than 100 academic programs on the cutting edge of today's professional fields. Our commitment to the integration of faith, learning and life attracts students from a wide variety of Christian denominational backgrounds who have a strong commitment to academics with a desire to combine their Christian faith with every aspect of their lives.